Safe Crew

By law, any person working as crew on a commercial vessel on NSW waterways must hold a Certificate of Competency. This ensures that people operating commercial vessels are competent and medically fit for their assigned tasks and areas of operation.

NSW Maritime issues the following Certificates of Competency:

• Coxswain;
• Master Class 5;
• Mate Class 4;
• Master Class 4;
• Master Class 3;
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 3;
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 2;
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 1;
• Engineer Class 3;
• Skipper Grade 3;
• Skipper Grade 2;
• Skipper Grade 1;
• Master of vehicular ferry in chains; and
• General purpose hand.

Holders of certificates of competency as master, mate or coxswain are exempt from the requirement to hold a general boat driving licence or PWC licence.  This exemption does not apply to engineering certificates, general purpose hands or masters of vehicular ferry in chains.

Additional links:

• How do I apply for a Certificate of Competency
• How do I apply for a General Purpose Hand certificate
• How do I Revalidate a Certificate of Competency
• How do I apply for recognition of a Certificate issued by an interstate authority
• How do I apply for Recognition of a Yachtmaster Certificate
• Further information on careers in the maritime industry